Tyre clearance issues

[ishaw]

I'm building a ti 29er and have been accumulating parts. Today I got some time to fettle and put together the rolling chassis only to find the tyre clearance was almost zero.

Frustratingly I'd sought advice from the manufacturer on tyre sizes and was advised a 2.4 tyre would be fine, but it seems to have been bad advice as there are mms only either side and I can feel vibrations through the frame.

So are continental trail king 2.4s super wide/high volume, or am I on a hiding to nothing trying to use 2.4 tyres on the build? Bitd rear tyres were often narrower than fronts, is it silly to contemplate a 2.2 trail king on the rear?

If 2.4 is simply too wide, any recommendations on a decent tyre without huge logos that would fit the frame and be good for xc use.

Clearance/lack of pics below.

 

[Duxuk]

I'm a great fan of Conti Trail Kings. They're great for anything other than deep mud. The 2.2s will dig into mud better but admittedly the air volume is lower. I replaced my 2.2" X 27.5" rear with a 2.4" and noticed little if any difference, though that's with the benefit of full suspension. My original 2.2" split on the side wall so I'd definitely advise the protection sidewall.
I don't know if this also applies to the 29ers but my 27.5s are at least 28" in diameter and since the stays taper that may explain your clearance problem, if yours are 29.5" or over in diameter.

 

[ishaw]

Re:

I checked the diameter and the trail kings are practically 30 inches.

I'm fairly new to the modern wheel size world, but have had an older 29er for a couple of years but never strayed wider than 2.2 before, as my other frame had limited clearance on the rear. Thought based on info supplied by manufacturer I could run 2.4 with ease. Hmmm. Are there any 2.4 tyres with less volume, or should I step down to 2.3 or 2.2?

I do have some alternative tyres i could try out but not keen on the logos.

 

[ishaw]

Re:

Some internet research does suggest that the 2.4 trail kings are a big high volume tyre.

Checking my stash I've found some new mavic 'quest' tyres in 2.25 size.

Anyone used these that can share some insight on how big they come up when inflated, and if they are any good? Dont want to use another new st of tyres to find they dont fit or are rubbish. A comparison in the packet between them and the contis suggests the side walls aren't as tall, and tread pattern looks very similar.

Cheers

 

[velomaniac]

You also need to take into account rim width. Wider rims equal wider tyres but slightly reduced tyre height. if your running narrow rims and the clearance is the issue then go narrower tyre. If running wide rim then narrow rim could solve clearance but might add to height clearance issues.

 

[ishaw]

Re:

Cheers. Rims are wide but not crazy wide. I've dropped down to 2.25 but not had a chance to fit the rear yet to check clearance. Front seems narrower as youd expect and shorter sidewalls so should solve the problem. Hopefully.

Then I can move on to building it up.

Forks serviced. Parts ready. Time.......